Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Last weekend a friend and I decide to explore the City of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya (in full called Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya) was founded in 1350. Ayutthaya was a prime location for trade due to its ideal location between China, India and Malay. It was a gorgeous city until the late 1700's when the Burmese invaded and burnt down the city. Today, only a few ruins remain that give us a glimpse of the Majestic city it once used to be.

Ayutthaya is actually an island surrounded by 3 different Rivers. Katie and I decided to take many different modes of transportation to get there and explore the city. We started off taking a cab to a train station called Bang Sue. After trying to explain the cab driver the station we were finally on our way. However, we did not realise until arriving at the train station that the cab driver had decided to take us to another station instead (we think because it is further away). We ended up at Lak Si station instead. There we took a train to Mainland Ayutthaya. Once in Ayutthaya, we took a ferry to cross the river and get to the island. The distance between the 2 ports was soooo close that I could have swam across the river because the other port was literally 1 minute away. We then walked around to see some of the ruins. It was so hot and such a long walk we eventually decided to took a Tuk tuk to look at the ruins. That was quite fun! :) On our way back we decided to take a bus to Bangkok. We arrived at Mo Chit bus station, which was really close to Chatuchak Market, the largest Market in Thailand. Since we were that close and had 2 more hours before it closed down we decided to check it out. Holy Molly! when they say it is large they are not kidding. We barely made a dent in the market in the 2 hrs we spent there. It was amazing! This market has everything and anything, it was quite spectacular. Once we were done we finally decided to head home. We did so by taking a cab. Half way home our stomach started growling so we ended up at a street vendor instead of home :). There using pictures, charades, the 5 Thai words we know and my phone we ordered some food. It was really good. I must say we had quite an adventurous day, jam packed with lots of cool stuff. Here are a few pictures of some of the Temple and Buddha ruins we saw. They are gorgeous and very impressive!

Wat Lokayasutha - Reclining Buddha on a Lotus

Wat Lokayasutha - Reclining Buddha on a Lotus

Wat Maha That

A stupa at Wat Maha That

Wat Maha That

Beheaded Buddhas by the Burmese at Wat Maha That Temple

Wat Maha That - Buddha

Beheaded Buddha at Wat Maha That

Wat Maha That

Wat Maha That

Buddha's head entrapped by an over grown Banyan tree at Wat Maha That

Buddha's head entrapped by an over grown Banyan tree at Wat Maha That

Wat Phra Monghon Bophit

Wat Phra Monghon Bophit housing the large Bronze Buddha Coated in Gold leaf 

Large Buddha at Wat Phra Monghon Bophit

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Smaller Buddha at Wat Phra Monghon Bophit

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Beheaded buddha at Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Enjoy!

Luv ya all - Shaz

Rayong and Koh Samet

Last weekend was my first weekend away from Bangkok city. It was time to go and enjoy other amazing things Thailand has to offer.  It started off on Friday morning where we went on a team building trip to Rayong with all the wonderful staff at Lertlah Campus 3. It was amazing!! Being in a coastal city with an amazing ocean-view hotel was just what we all needed to end our busy orientation week, relax, recuperate and enjoy the beach. Here are a few pictures of the amazing view :)

Following that retreat, a few off us, 13 to be exact decided to continue our journey and head to a gorgeous island called Koh Samet while the others return back to the bustling city . Got a chance to enjoy the awesome sun, beach, food and atmosphere. Here are a few pictures from Koh Samet. :)

Enjoy!
- Luv ya all
Shaz

A visit to Fashion Island!

Today has been an interesting day. It started off pouring like never before and the temperatures actually dropped to being pleasant outside... Surprise surprise!! Still having internet problems caused me to take a trip down to Fashion Island mall. It is a huge mall that has anything and everything in it. It has a separate floor for electronics and clothing and all other amazing things!

After getting my computer/internet problem fixed, a friend and I decided to treat ourselves to a little luxury by going for a manicure at a cute little nail boutique. It was definitely cute. It was all in purple and white! What a great combination!

Inside Nail Boutique @ Fashion Island Mall, Thailand

Inside Nail Boutique @ Fashion Island Mall, Thailand

During our walk around the mall I came across an area with a  huge stand with large speakers and lots of stalls talking about and selling back to school items! Who knew Back to school was just as crazy in Thailand as it is in Canada. It felt so weird too because it is May and they have back to school, it is supposed to be the beginning of summer (close to end of school for us canadians!) That was definitely interesting to see :)

Back to School in Thailand!

Learning to Speak Thai

Thai is a tonal language and it is very hard to learn to speak in Thai by just reading and annunciating it yourself. You really need to hear it and practice speaking it with people who can help you correct yourself.

So far there are a few Thai words that I have learn't and working on improving as I communicate with the locals.

Sawasdee Kaa - Hello or goodbye is one of the first words I learn't along with performing the wai which is a form of greeting. 

I have also learnt some basic food words such as:

Naam - water

Gai - Chicken

Shrimp - Noong

Rice - Kaau

Fried rice - Kaau pad

Egg - Kai

Fish - Bplah

Fruit - Polamai

Juice - Naam Polamai

Some courteous words I have learnt are:

Thank you - Korb koon Kaa

Thank you very much - Korb koon maak kaa

Sorry - kor tod kaa

Some directional words:

Turn left - Leauw saai

Turn right - Leauw kwaa

go straight - dtrong pai

Go - Pai

Stop - Jord

This is going to be interesting! I am excited to learn more thai words :D

Survived the first week!

When they say it is hot in Thailand, they aren't kidding! It is like walking right into a wall of heat and humidity. Everything I’ve heard or read about Thailand, so far, seems to be true; hot and humid, colourful cabs, lots of motorbikes, motorbike cabs, 7-11s on every street corner, no honking despite large amounts of traffic, lots of dogs (who I feel so sorry for because they always look so hot and tired) and so on. So far so good. There are many open markets here. One of the closest one which is a weekend market is pretty cool, it really does give you  taste of everything: clothing, food, knickknacks, people, and patience. . 

After staying at the motel for about 6 days I finally got an apartment in a building called '@ room'. It is pretty basic but functional and clean. I have a little balcony that looks onto the front street. I am a 3 min walk away from school. If my balcony faced the other way, I would be able to see campus from my balcony. I’ve got a little fridge, a wardrobe, vanity, decent bathroom (with a heater for hot water, wohoo), a t.v. (without English channels).and a/c.  I’m on the 4th floor (the top), and it’s even hotter up here than down on the ground level. 

View of my bedroom from one angle

View of my bedroom from another angle.

View of Bangkok City from my bedroom

Zoomed in view of Bangkok City

View of one side of the street from my bedroom

View of another side of the street from my window

View from my window

We went to Tesco yesterday afternoon to buy any additional furnishings. Tesco is a departmental store pretty much identical to Walmart. We spent our time picking out new pillows (since the ones they gave us are hard rock), a fan, a blanket (as the gave us a gigantic towel as a blanket) and other few house hold supplies(these are really important decisions... ‘should I get a pink fan or a sand one? What pattern do I want on my blanket/comforter?’ :P)

Everyone here (both Lertlah affiliated and strangers) seems wonderful. Janat, the supervisor and Alec, our key stage leader are both wonderful. They have both been here long and gave us a lot of tips on getting around and surviving in Bangkok. There are many different teachers working at Lertlah. There as students from Manitoba, certified teachers a few from Manitoba, two of us from Toronto, one from Victoria, BC and one from the US. 

My sleeping pattern here is a little weird but I guess good. I end up going to bed pretty early (which is good) and am usually up by 5am... Not sure why!. However, I do like the ample of time I have to get some stuff done. My first week on campus for orientation has been great. I met all the teachers and complete some team building activities. Students don’t return to school until May 17th, so it’s just orientation from now until then. 

Goodbye Canada and Hello Bangkok!!

Here begins my journey to Thailand. The past couple of days have definitely been interesting. Let’s start with the weekend were I finally move out of my place in London.  That took a whole lot longer than expected. You do not realize how much junk you have until you decide to move… 

After the move it was time to start saying my good byes in Toronto. Off I go to Toronto to meet my 3 wonderful ladies and family. That was sad and exciting at the same time. Dinner at Astoria was fun and delicious which was made more memorable with the amazing company.

My last day in Toronto was interesting! An unexpected last minute trip to Buffalo, NY was definitely fun! It was a new record for me... I got to leave Canada twice in one day  J

Follow that eventful weekend with my departure to Thailand. It was sad to be leaving the wonderful people and comfort behind. But it was a start to a new adventure.

Departure was on time at 1:40am from Toronto to Hong Kong. The flight was an excruciating 14 ½ hrs.  Arrived in Hong Kong to be pulled aside and had my temperature checked for avian flu! Embarrassing and confusing when they spoke to me in Cantonese and had no idea what they were saying. Phew! That did not take too long and was told I was free :D. 

Hong Kong International Airport

Hello there Hong Kong!!

Now comes exploring the airport and enjoying the view! It appears that Hong Kong International airport is at a shore so when you look out the window you see water on one side and gorgeous mountains on the other side. It was quite a view, pair that up with a chocolate chip Frappuccino from starbucks!! Mhhmmmm!! So good. 

View from one side of the airport

A mountain sunrise view

Gorgeous view of the mountains from the airport

Bird's eye view of mountainous area around Hong Kong 

A short 2 1/2 hours and I as in THAILAND, the land of smiles! Excitement, nervousness and curiosity all put together were my feelings upon arrival. Here begins the adventure. 

Stay tuned for more!